Bush Radio 89.5 fm is the Mother of Community Radio in Africa. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Bush Radio exists with the sole purpose to uplift, develop and educate the communities it serves. To find out more about Bush Radio go to www.bushradio.co.za, where you can also listen on-line.
Please share your comments on our news: feedback@bushradio.co.za

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Commission for Gender Equality calls for respect of culture

Lusanda Bill

16 April 2015

The Commission for Gender
Equality says it respects cultural freedom and choice but once the abuse of
cultural practises and symbols is done at the expense of women and girls then
it is not acceptable.

This follows the case of
Mvumeleni Jezile who told the Western Cape High Court that the reason why he
raped and abducted a 14-year-old girl was in accordance with traditional
practise called Ukuthwala.

The Commission has also called
on South African men to distance themselves from this culture, which some
misuse in order to rob minors and girls of their fundamental human rights.

CGE Spokesperson Javu Baloyi
says we cannot allow a situation whereby young girls are abducted and raped in the
name of culture.

Baloyi says no cultural, tradition
or religious practises supersedes our Constitution. We need to make sure that
whatever we do in the name of culture should be in line with our Constitution.